JAMES J. HOGAN (1919-1986): Jim Hogan began teaching at Plymouth Teachers College in 1953, when he, his wife, and three children moved to Plymouth from Connecticut.
Hogan’s teaching career would extend into the 1980’s. As a teacher and a coach, he would touch the lives of hundreds of college students. As a husband and father, he would help raise nine children, three of whom would later either play for or coach at Plymouth State College.
Hogan served the college from 1955-57 as head men’s tennis coach. He also assisted with several other teams, and took an active interest in every team that represented Plymouth. When football boosters were trying to establish a gridiron program as PSC in 1969, Hogan became an important and ardent supporter.
The 1973-74 PSC men’s basketball team was a particular source of pride for Dr. Hogan, as it was captained by his son, Jim Jr. The senior Hogan was in the stands that special evening in February, 1975, to watch his son help PSC to a memorable 105-102 win at St. Anslem College, Plymouth’s first win ever over St. A’s after 37 straight losses.
In 1985 Hogan finished his book “Plymouth - Where My Viewpoints Crossed,” which devoted a long chapter to the development of intercollegiate athletics at PSC. Hogan would go on to revel in the national attention that the football team would receive that autumn, watch home games from his car in a special parking place near the north end zone.
The 1985-86 PSC sports seasons would be the last ones that Hogan would witness as an active spectator. He passed away during the summer of 1986. Before his death, Hogan would often reflect on how the college had grown since he first arrived in Plymouth in 1953. He understood the value of athletics to both the individual and to the institution, and was proud of the role he had played in supporting a wide variety of sports programs.
While Hogan will be long-remembered as a teacher, coach, booster, and fan, his most lasting contributions were made as a husband and father. His proudest Legacy will remain his wonderful family - wife Nancy and children Nancy, Joan, Barbara, James Jr., Linda, Paul, Michael, Bill, Peg and Mary.
